Triangulation

• A way to make sure there is enough evidence to make a valid claim.

• Based on the work by Cohen and Marion (2000) – triangulation is the
use of two or more methods of data collection in the study of some
aspect of human behavior.
There are six types of triangulation.

1. Methodological triangulation – A theory is investigated using a

variety of experimental and non-experimental methods. Single
method verification is limited.
Ex: Freud – studied only Victorian females with mental
disorders. Skinner – generalized about human complex
behavior from simple animal experiments. Piaget – came up
with general cognitive development theory from observing
his 3 children.

2. Time triangulation – research for a topic is gathered during one

specific time period. It ensures that the time frame is not the reason
for the research results.
Ex: Cross-Sectional – Data gathered at one time.
Longitudinal – data gathered over time.
Research on television and aggression has time
triangulation.

3. Observer triangulation – Different researchers study the same

topic and find the same results. You can also use content analysis
research and correlating inter-rater reliability between the
observations.

4. Theory triangulation – Two or more theories are sometimes

combined to create a more comprehensive theory. Ex: General
Aggression Model (Anderson and Bushman, 2002) combined social
learning with others to create more realistic view of aggression.

5. Space Triangulation – If a theory is studied in only one culture it

lacks space triangulation. Look for cross-cultural verification of a
theory. Ainsworth’s types of attachments have space triangulation
as they are seen in other cultures.

6. Combined levels of triangulation – Individual, interactive level of

group, larger collective or organizational level (society).
Advantages:

• Reduces experimenter bias.

• Gives broader and complex causation model of behavior.

• Reduces method-bound theories. Many historical theories lack

methodological triangulation, Freud, Skinner, Piaget

• Reduces culture-bound theories.